Paris has never deserved its title of “City of light” that an July 14. Each evening of this date, a majestic fireworks display at the foot of the Eiffel tower comes the conclusion of the national Holiday. An event popular with Parisians, who, new coronavirus requires, was not open to the public Tuesday night. But many tourists and Parisians have ignored the calls of the mayor of Paris “does not gather” and ” to follow the television broadcast of the fireworks “. Result : crowds compact is formed in the center of the capital at the moment of shooting the final bouquet, in particular along the Seine and on the esplanade des Invalides.

” It is coming, because it is the tradition, we do it every year “, explained to the Agence France-Presse Kenza, Leah and Johanna, three students in paris 19 years of age. Perched on the top of a pillar of the railing of the pont Alexandre-III, which leads to the Invalides, and offers a beautiful view on the Eiffel tower, they say they have “not heard of” the call of the prefecture. “We respect the distance, we came less numerous than usual “, argues Leah, who like the vast majority of the people gathered together does not mask. “It is always better to be in the open air “, she says.

I’m young and healthy, and therefore not at risk

Idil, a Turkish 26-year-old, who lives in Paris for 9 years, says, ” as we get out of the containment, it is nice so as well enjoy it “, especially, she says, ” I’m young and healthy, and therefore not at risk.” Still on the bridge, Ousmane, Bouba and Mamadou, 34, 20, and 21 years of age, enjoying their pleasure : these three young families in guinea are specially came from Melun to the fireworks. “It’s good to see the world, and it is always a great pleasure to celebrate the national holiday “, says the first.

On the esplanade des Invalides, Susan, a tourist Dutch 48-years old, do not expect to see lawns covered world, such as those which have the best view of the Eiffel tower. “It’s a lot of world of risk, we will find a place more quiet,” she said, taking his children elsewhere.

The crowd had to stay the evening on the esplanade, before the exit shortly before one in the morning under the pressure of the forces of law and order. In most of the cities of France, the 14 July festivities have been reduced as a result of the restrictions due to the pandemic of Covid-19. The president and Emmanuel Macron had warned them in the day against an epidemic that ” leaves a little “.

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